My Genealogy Hound

JOHN B. RUSH, a Jamestown merchant who came from an old family, is a son of Israel and Elizabeth (Russell) Rush, and was born in the town of Ellery, Chautauqua county, New York, May 1, 1833. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Rush, was a native of Canada, and descended from English ancestors, but came to Chautauqua county, and settled in the town of Ellery during January, 1811, at which time he purchased in sections No. 13, and No. 20 of Township No. 2, Range No. 12, his house being built on section No. 13, where he followed farming until his death which occurred at Ellery. He was married twice, his second wife being Rhoda Silsman, who bore him three sons and one daughter. Grandfather, John Russell, came to Chautauqua county in 1811. He was an artisan, being skillful with the saw and with the trowel and also employed himself in farming. Mr. Russell married Rhoda Scofield and became the father of nine sons and four daughters. Israel Rush (father), was born in Cassadaga, in 1807, and came to Chautauqua county with his father. He followed farming and, although at the commencement of life a very poor man, at his death had by industry and economy accumulated a competency and owned four hundred acres of land in Ellery. He married Elizabeth Russell, by whom he had four children: Lewis, a farmer residing in Ellery; James B.; Rhoda, married Alvah Smiley, who is a successful farmer living at Bemus Point, near her early home; and one dead. Politically Mr. Rush was a democrat and a conscientious, God-fearing, church-going man. He died at Ellery in the fear of the Lord, June 4, 1889.

John B. Rush secured his education in the common schools of Ellery, and commenced life as a farmer at the scene of his birth. This life he continued until 1886, when he moved into the city, but still owns his farm containing one hundred and thirty-one acres of the old homestead.

He married Mary A. Brownell, a daughter of Peter R. Brownell, a late resident of Chautauqua county, but now living in the city of Jamestown. To this marriage have been born two children: Mary, who is the wife of Clayton Price, son of Anson A. Price (see his sketch), has one child, Carrie; Mr. Price is engaged in the mercantile business; and Carrie T., wife of Linden Peterson, a butcher living in Jamestown; they have one child, Mabel. His younger daughter prepared herself for an active business life by a thorough course in the business department of the High school.

Politically Mr. Rush is a democrat and as such is of recognized influence.